With the 2025 AFLW pre-season beginning to wrap up before Collingwood’s 14 August season opener against Carlton, the Pies’ AFLW side put their off-season and pre-season work to the test on Saturday when they had their first match simulation against opposition, facing old rivals Essendon at their Windy Hill home.
Collingwood’s AFLW side showed plenty of promise in their match up, giving the Magpie Army lots to be excited on the eve of the 10th season:
The Pies showcased their improved competitiveness
Collingwood dominated early, with the ball locked in their forward half for 70% of the opening term.
Sabrina Frederick looked threatening early in her full forward role, with defenders unable to stop her strong marking capabilities, however wild winds wreaked havoc on accuracy before Alana Porter finally found the big sticks, kicking the first of the day.
Essendon’s efforts to exit their defensive 50 were quickly shut down with Collingwood’s midfielders and defenders set up perfectly behind the ball, with off-season recruit Airlie Runnalls key in Collingwood’s intercepting efforts in the centre.
First look at new and returning Pies
Along with Runnalls, Saturday’s match simulation gave the Magpie Army their first official look of draftees Georgia Knight and Violet Patterson, Irish recruit Kellyann Hogan, as well as the return of defender Annie Lee and forward Kalinda Howarth.
Father-daughter Patterson, the daughter of Stephen, showed her extensive work rate on the wing, while lively small forward Knight had her moment early in front of goal, with teammates rallying to get around her.
Hogan, who arrived in Australia less than two months ago, settled nicely into the game, showing her willingness to throw her body into the competition.
Spending majority of the 2024 season on the inactive list after suffering a knee injury in Round 1 last season, Lee provided plenty of pressure in the backline whilst highlighting her kicking accuracy.
Yet to make her Club debut after spending her first year with the Pies recovering from an ACL injury, Howarth gave the Magpie Army plenty to be excited about, kicking three goals in the simulation and showing she will be another threat up forward for the Collingwood this season.
A new look in the ruck
Imogen Barnett took most of the rucking duties, with Frederick settling forward of the ball.
Dominating in the centre, Barnett showcased not only her aerial contest and stoppage abilities, but her strengths behind the ball, intercepting plenty of Essendon forward entries.
Collingwood now turn their attention to their official practice match against Port Adelaide on Sunday 3 August at Alberton Oval.
